The grants, awarded to nearly 40 Orange County-based organizations, are a result of the foundation's ReachOut OC 2012, which combined $345,000 in funds from the foundation with $180,000 in donations from the public, according to a foundation news release. Supporters' contributions ranged from $20 to $50,000.

"With ReachOut OC, neighbors are helping neighbors through contributions small and large," foundation President Shelley Hoss said in a prepared statement. "Thousands of Orange County residents continue to struggle to make ends meet with families and veterans experiencing the most critical need."

The grants will fund a variety of services, including meals; rent and utilities assistance; emergency and transitional shelter; a mobile clinic and health care services for children and families; and employment support for veterans.

This is the fourth consecutive year OCCF has organized a community fund drive to assist vulnerable neighbors. The foundation is based in Newport Beach.

Among this year's grant recipients was Irvine's Second Harvest Food Bank, which estimates that 615,000 people, or 21% of Orange County's population, are at risk of hunger. Its $25,000 grant will support food programs such as Child Hunger Strategy, Brown Bag for Seniors and Mobile Pantry.